Festival of Food and Fun

One of the premier events on Southern Nevada's festival calendar returns this weekend when the 2008 Las Vegas Greek Food Festival again unveils its unique menu of food, fun and music.

The festival runs today through Sunday at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church.

The annual family-oriented celebration offers Greek foods and pastries available both as full dinners and a la carte, live Greek bands, dancing, a Greek market, a fun park for kids and tours of St. John church.

The event began in 1973 as both a fundraiser for the church and "to promote the Greek culture," says Gus Flangas, a longtime church member and past festival chairman.

Organizers say it's the longest-running festival of its kind in Las Vegas and attracts more than 30,000 during its run.

"I used to joke around that the only things bigger than us were Comdex, football and NASCAR, and I'm not so sure that it's a joke," Flangas says.

In its early years, the festival was a one-day event, Flangas says. "Everybody would get together on Saturday, cook all day, set up and run the festival all day Sunday, usually form late in the morning into the late evening," Flangas says.

Today, planning starts months in advance and the cooking begins about one month out. The cooking is done by volunteers, Flangas says, and the Greek foods and pastries offered are authentic Greek food. "No shortcuts are taken."

Pastries, in particular, are a big draw, Flangas says. "I think that's one of our busiest booths."

Also popular is the entertainment, which includes continuous music provided by two live Greek bands. "My philosophy has always been to keep the music going, because once people start dancing they'll keep dancing. But if the band stops, they may stop and may not want to dance anymore."

And, Flangas says, "in the late afternoon and early evening, we do have dancers come up and perform some traditional Greek dances, and a lot of them hang around to help folks learn how to dance themselves."

The Greek Food Festival is a family event, Flangas says. "It's got something for everyone."

And, while it is a form of community outreach, it's also a fine bonding exercise for members of the church.

"It's definitely a group effort, and it's actually a lot of fun to work on," Flangas says. "And I wouldn't even call it work. You're out there giving your time and talent, and it's a blast.

"You'll see a lot of folks working in the booth and actually dancing occasionally."

Contact reporter John Przybys at jprzybys@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0280.